SectorWire
SearchRegister
MenuClose

UK taskforce targets illegal gambling advertising and payment channels

Regulation

The UK’s Illegal Gambling Taskforce is seeking cooperation from technology and payments companies, including Google, Meta and Visa, and law enforcement agencies to disrupt illegal gambling advertising, marketing and payment channels. Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said the government would increase financial penalties for organisations facilitating illegal gambling content; Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst called for a broader response to the black market.

The taskforce’s approach could extend enforcement exposure to companies that facilitate illegal gambling promotions and payments.

Request a correction

Flag an issue

Keep reading

Enforcement & compliance

Gambling Commission targets illegal operators’ funds and business models

The Gambling Commission is expanding its action against illegal gambling in Great Britain to target operators’ money, assets, payments, advertising and access to games and sportsbooks. Since January, it has referred more than £40 million in suspected criminal funds to partner agencies for possible asset freezing and reported 1,000-plus cease-and-desist notices in 2026/27 so far.

The Gambling Commission is widening its crackdown on illegal gambling to reach the finances, assets and business models behind operators, beyond disrupting websites. Since January, it has passed over £40 million in suspected criminal funds to partner agencies for possible asset freezes, according to Sue Young, executive director of operations.

Continue reading